2 Dear Consumer, For over 75 years Consumer Reports has evaluated everything from toasters, cars, and washing machines to fast-food restaurants, wine, and exercise machines. We have repeatedly found significant variation in performance, price and, as a result, value to consumers. We have identified many high-quality products and services, but also many that were unsafe, poorly performing, or overpriced. Since 2008 we have increased our focus on health care including health-insurance plans, hospitals, physicians, and medical tests and treatments and found similar variation in performance, cost, and safety. We often can t evaluate those products and services in our labs. Instead, we turn to scientific studies, independent experts, and government agencies and research institutions that are free of industry influence. We are now involved in a campaign that is working with professional doctor groups, such as those who represent family practice-doctors, internists, cardiologists, and radiologists, to identify medical tests and treatments that are often overused. This campaign, called Choosing Wisely, is organized by the ABIM Foundation. In this campaign, the doctors themselves are coming up with lists of tests or procedures, such as prescribing antibiotics for sinusitis or ordering EKGs in people without symptoms of heart disease, that are often done but often not needed and sometimes even risky. Consumer Reports is working with these groups to produce reports for consumers explaining when the tests and treatments are necessary and when they aren t. We are also helping to produce low-literacy and Spanish translations of these reports and, in some cases, videos. Our hope is that these materials will help you and your physician talk about care that you may not need and make sure you end up with the right amount of care: Not too much, not too little. Your employer is distributing these materials to you as they appear in Consumer Reports publications. All of the materials are also available for free at ConsumerHealthChoices.org. Sincerely, John Santa, M.D. Director, Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center

4 health When to say Whoa! to your doctor Common tests and treatments you probably don t need Doctors often order tests and recommend drugs or procedures when they shouldn t sometimes even when they know they shouldn t. In fact, nearly half of primary-care physicians say their own patients get too much medical care, according to a survey published in 2011 by researchers at Dartmouth College. And the Congressional Budget Office says that up to 30 percent of the health care in the U.S. is unnecessary. All that unneeded care can be hazardous to your health and your wallet. For example, X-rays and CT scans expose you to potentially cancer-causing radiation, and can lead to follow-up tests and treatment with additional risks. And the costs can be substantial. A 2011 study found that the price tag for 12 commonly overused tests, such as annual electrocardiograms (EKGs) for heart disease and imaging tests for lower-back pain, was about $6.8 billion. The problem has become so serious that such groups as the American College of Physicians, the National Physicians Alliance, and a coalition of medical societies in a project called Choosing Wisely have compiled lists of tests and treatment doctors themselves say are done too often. Below are our top five examples culled from those lists. (For more information, go to ConsumerReports.org/cro/ChoosingWisely.) 1 EKGs and exercise stress tests for heart disease The problem: For many people, an EKG which records the heart s electrical activity through electrodes attached to the chest is a standard part of a routine exam. Some also regularly get an exercise stress test, which is an EKG done as they walk on a treadmill. Both are key if you have symptoms of heart disease or are at high risk of it. But for other people, the tests are not as accurate and can lead to unnecessary follow-up and treatment. The risks: Those follow-up tests can include CT angiograms, which expose you to a radiation dose equal to 600 to 800 chest X-rays, and coronary angiography, which exposes you to further radiation. Inappropriate testing can also lead to overtreatment with drugs or even surgery. The costs: An EKG typically costs about $50 and an exercise stress test about $200 to $300, according to the HealthCareBlue- Book.com. Subsequent interventions that are prompted by unneeded tests can add thousands to the tab. When to consider the tests: An EKG and exercise stress test should often be ordered if you have chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, or other symptoms of heart disease. They can also make sense for people with diabetes or other coronary risk factors who are just starting to exercise. 2 Imaging tests for lower-back pain The problem: Getting an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI can seem like a good idea. But back pain usually subsides in about a month, with or without testing. Backpain sufferers in a 2010 study who had an MRI within the first month didn t recover any faster than those who didn t have the test but were eight times as likely to have surgery, and had a five-fold increase in medical costs. The risks: One study projected 1,200 new cancer cases based on the 2.2 million CT scans done for lower-back pain in the U.S. in CT scans and X-rays of the lower back are especially worrisome for men and women of childbearing age, because they can expose testicles and ovaries to substantial radiation. Finally, the tests often reveal abnormalities that are unrelated to the pain but can prompt needless worry and lead to unnecessary follow-up tests and treatment, sometimes including even surgery. The costs: An X-ray of the lower back typically ranges from about $200 to $285, an MRI from $875 to $1,225, and a CT scan from $1,080 to $1,520. Imaging accounts for a big chunk of the billions Americans spend for lower-back pain each year. When to consider the tests: They often make sense if you have nerve damage, or signs of a serious underlying condition. Red flags can include a history of cancer, unexplained weight loss, illustration: Eva tatcheva

5 recent infection, loss of bowel control, urinary retention, or loss of leg strength. 3 CT scans and MRIs for headaches The problem: Many people want a CT scan or MRI to see if their headache is caused by a brain tumor or other serious illness. And doctors often comply to provide reassurance and to avoid lawsuits. But all that s usually needed is a careful medical history and neurological exam. Adding a CT scan or MRI rarely helps. The risks: Brain scans can reveal things that appear worrisome but aren t. For example, doctors might mistake a twist in a blood vessel for an aneurysm. Those findings can trigger follow-up tests, and prompt referrals to specialists for expensive consultations. And CT scans of the head can deliver a radiation dose that s the equivalent of 15 to 300 chest X-rays. The costs: A standard brain CT scan costs about $340, and a brain MRI about $660. Referrals to a specialist or subsequent treatment is extra, of course. When to consider the tests: They re often warranted if you have an abnormal result on a neurological exam, or if your doctor can t diagnose the problem based on your symptoms and medical exam. See a doctor if you have head pain that is sudden or explosive; different from headaches you ve had in the past; brought on by exertion; or accompanied by fever, a seizure, vomiting, loss of coordination, or a change in vision, speech, or alertness. 4 Bone-density scans for low-risk women The problem: Many women are routinely screened for weak bones with an imaging test called a DEXA scan. If it detects outright osteoporosis, the results can help you and your doctor decide how to treat the problem. But many people learn Ask these questions 1 Do I really need this test or procedure? The answer should be direct and simple. Tests should help you and your doctor decide how to treat your problem, and procedures should help you live a longer, healthier life. 1 What are the downsides? Discuss the risks as well as the chance of inaccurate results or findings that will never cause symptoms but may require further testing. Weigh the potential complications against possible benefits and the symptoms of the condition itself. 1 Are there simpler, safer options? Sometimes lifestyle changes will provide all the relief you need. 1 What happens if I do nothing? Ask if your condition might worsen or get better if you don t have the test or procedure now. 1 How much does it cost? Ask whether there are less expensive alternatives, or generic versions of brand-name drugs. they have only mild bone loss, a condition known as osteopenia, and for them the risk of fracture is often quite low. The risks: A diagnosis of osteopenia often leads to treatment with such drugs as alendronate (Fosamax) and ibandronate (Boniva), which pose numerous risks. Those include thigh fractures, throat or chest pain, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, and more rarely, bone, eye, joint and muscle pain, bone loss in the jaw, and possibly, abnormal heart rhythm. But there is little evidence that people with osteopenia benefit from the drugs. The costs: A DEXA scan costs about $132. The price for a month s supply of generic alendronate is $38 to $70, and $125 to $148 for Fosamax, the brand-name version. People often take the drugs for years. When to consider the test: Women should have the scan at age 65 and men at age 70. Younger women and men ages 50 to 69 should consider the test if they have risk factors such as a fracture from minor trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, low body weight, a parent who had a hip fracture, or if they have used corticosteroid drugs for a long time, or they drink excessively or smoke. Whether follow-up tests are needed depends on the results of the initial scan. 5 Antibiotics for sinusitis The problem: People with sinusitis congestion combined with nasal discharge and facial pain are often prescribed antibiotics. In fact, 15 to 21 percent of all antibiotic prescriptions for adults are to treat sinusitis. But most people don t need the drugs. That s because the problem almost always stems from a viral infection, not a bacterial one and antibiotics don t work against viruses. The risks: About one in four people who take antibiotics report side effects, such as a rash, dizziness, and stomach problems. In rare cases, the drugs can cause anaphylactic shock. Overuse of antibiotics also encourages the growth of bacteria that can t be controlled easily with drugs. That makes you more vulnerable to antibiotic-resistant infections and undermines the usefulness of antibiotics for everyone. The costs: Not all antibiotics are expensive, but since doctors write so many prescriptions for them, the total cost to the health-care system is substantial at least $31 million a year. When to consider antibiotics: Usually only if symptoms last longer than a week to 10 days or they are accompanied by a high fever or other possible signs of a bacterial infection. Why do doctors provide unnecessary care? One reason is that patients, motivated perhaps by an ingrained belief that more care is always better care not to mention ads from drug companies ask for it. And all too often doctors comply, in part because it s faster and easier than explaining why a test or drug might not be a good idea. Of course, doctors have other motivations, too, including financial ones. For example, research suggests that those who invest in imaging equipment order more CT scans and MRI tests than doctors who haven t made the investment. Some doctors say they practice aggressively to protect themselves from lawsuits. More than 80 percent of primarycare doctors in our 2010 survey said the need to practice defensive medicine interfered with their ability to provide optimal care. A reason doctors are less likely to own up to: It s hard to kick bad habits. But researchers say that doctors often embrace evidence that reinforces their practice style while ignoring evidence that conflicts with it. For example, results from a trial published in 2007 found that angioplasty an invasive procedure worked no better than drugs plus lifestyle changes for people with stable heart disease. But several years later a study found that most doctors still chose angioplasty without giving those simpler, less expensive steps a shot first.

6 EKGs and exercise stress tests When you need them for heart disease and when you don t If you have chest pain or other symptoms of heart disease, an electrocardiogram (EKG) or exercise stress test can be lifesaving. The same is true if you have a history of heart disease or are at very high risk for it. But in other cases, you should think twice. Here s why. The tests usually aren t necessary for people without symptoms. With an EKG, electrodes attached to your chest record your heart s electrical activity. When an EKG is done as you walk or jog on a treadmill, it s called an exercise stress test. If you have symptoms of heart disease or are at high risk for it, both can help determine your chances of having a heart attack and help you and your doctor decide how to treat the problem. But he tests are less accurate for lower-risk people and often have misleading results. Yet many people without symptoms of heart disease get the tests as part of their routine checkup. For example, in a 2010 Consumer Reports survey of nearly 1,200 people between the ages of 40 and 60 with no history of heart disease or heart-disease symptoms, 39 percent said they had undergone an EKG during the previous five years and 12 percent said they had an exercise stress test. They can pose risks. EKGs and exercise stress tests won t harm you directly. But both can produce inaccurate results that trigger follow-up tests that can pose risks. Those include CT angiography, which can expose you to a radiation dose equal to 600 to 800 chest X-rays, and standard coronary angiography, an invasive procedure that exposes you

7 to further radiation. The risk posed by any one source is uncertain, but the effect of radiation is cumulative, so it s best to avoid exposure when you can. Inappropriate testing can also lead to overtreatment with drugs or even angioplasty, a procedure that can ease the symptoms of heart disease but for many people is no better than lifestyle changes and medication and triggers heart attacks in 1 to 2 percent of patients. They can be a waste of money. An EKG typically costs about $50 and an exercise stress test about $200 to $300, according to HealthcareBlueBook.com. But any money spent on unnecessary tests is money wasted. And subsequent interventions prompted by unneeded tests can add thousands to the tab. So when are the tests warranted? An EKG and exercise stress test are often necessary if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat or palpitations, or other symptoms of heart disease. They can also make sense for people with diabetes or other risk factors who are just starting to exercise. USING THIS INFORMATION This information is provided for you to use in discussions with your health-care provider. The content is for educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We cannot answer individual medical questions. Always seek the advice of a qualified health-care provider about any medical condition. Never disregard, avoid, or delay in obtaining medical advice from a health-care provider because of something you read in this report. Use of this report is at your own risk. Consumer Reports, AAFP, the ABIM Foundation, Archives of Internal Medicine, and their distributors are not liable for any loss, injury, or other damage related to your use of this report. The report is intended solely for consumers personal, noncommercial use and may not be altered or modified in any way or used in advertising, for promotion, or for any other commercial purpose. Special permission is granted to organizations in the Consumer Reports health communication program to disseminate free copies of this report in print or digital (PDF) formats to individual members and employees. Learn more at ConsumerHealthChoices.org or send an to cr.consumer.org. Published by Consumer Reports 2012 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc., 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY Developed in cooperation with AAFP. Portions are from AAFP s Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question list AAFP. This list is based on the The Top 5 Lists in Primary Care: Meeting the Responsibility of Professionalism, The Good Stewardship Working Group, Arch Intern Med. 2011;171: Top 5 Lists in Primary Care were first published as part of the Less Is More series in the Archives of Internal Medicine American Medical Association. Consumer Reports Advice How should you protect your heart? People with or without symptoms of heart disease should take these steps: Know your risk. Factors such as your age, gender, cholesterol and blood-pressure levels, and whether you smoke or have diabetes can help determine which screening tests are right for you and whether treatment is necessary. (To use our calculator, go to ConsumerReports.org/ heartrisk.) Lower your risk. Stop smoking; lose excess weight; engage in regular exercise, such as brisk walking; avoid food high in saturated fat, trans fats, and cholesterol; limit sodium; manage stress; and talk with your doctor about possibly taking low-dose aspirin. Consider these tests: Blood pressure. Everyone should have a reading of the upper and lower numbers at least once a year by a doctor using a blood-pressure cuff. Cholesterol. Men 35 and older and women 45 and older who have heart risk factors should have a blood test at least every five years to measure LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol levels, as well as triglycerides, an artery-clogging fat. Blood sugar. People at risk for diabetes should have a blood test at least every three to five years to measure their blood glucose level.

8 Imaging tests for headaches When you need them and when you don t Many people who experience severe headaches want a CT scan or MRI to see if they re caused by a brain tumor or other serious problem. But most of the time neither test is necessary. Here s why. The tests rarely help diagnose the problem. Most people who seek medical help for headaches have migraines or tension-type headaches. Those can indeed be painful, and migraines sometimes come with disturbing symptoms, like visual changes. But all that s usually needed for doctors to diagnose those and other common headaches is a careful medical history and a neurological exam, which typically tests such things as your reflexes. Adding a CT scan or MRI rarely shows why a headache occurs or helps you manage its symptoms. And research shows that for people with a normal medical history and neurological exam, imaging tests are unlikely to reveal a more serious underlying problem. They can pose risks. One possible risk is that they will show something that appears to be worrisome but actually isn t. For example, in some cases doctors might mistake a more prominent area of a person s brain for a tumor, or a twist in a blood vessel for a brain aneurysm. Those findings can cause anxiety, trigger follow-up tests, prompt referrals to specialists for expensive consultations, and even trigger unnecessary treatment. And CT scans of the head can deliver a radiation dose the equivalent of 25 to 300 chest X-rays, according to

9 a recent study. While the risk from any single exposure is uncertain, the harmful effects of radiation may be cumulative, so it s best to avoid it when you can. They can add needless expense. A standard brain CT scan should cost about $340, according to HealthCareBlueBook.com. One with a contrast agent to make a clearer image is about $840. A standard brain MRI costs about $660; one with a contrast agent, about $970. That doesn t include charges for subsequent treatment prompted by uncertain results. When are the tests warranted for headache? They might be considered if you get an abnormal result from a neurological exam or your doctor can t confidently diagnose your headache based on your symptoms and exam. And call your doctor if you have headaches that are: Sudden or explosive. Different from other headaches you ve had in the past, especially if you re 50 or older. Brought on by exertion. Accompanied by fever, seizure, vomiting, a loss of coordination, or a change in vision, speech, or alertness. USING THIS INFORMATION This information is provided for you to use in discussions with your health-care provider. The content is for educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Unfortunately, we cannot help you with individual medical questions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health-care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard, avoid, or delay in obtaining medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health-care provider because of something you read in this report. The use of this report is at your own risk. Consumer Reports, ACR, the ABIM Foundation, and their distributors are not liable for any loss, injury, or other damage related to your use of this report. The report is intended solely for consumers personal, noncommercial use and may not be altered or modified in any way or used in advertising, for promotion, or for any other commercial purpose. Special permission is granted to organizations participating in the Consumer Reports consumer health communication program to disseminate free copies of this report in print or digital (PDF) formats to individual members and employees. Learn more at ConsumerHealthChoices.org or send an to cr.consumer.org. Published by Consumer Reports 2012 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc., 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY Developed in cooperation with ACR for Choosing Wisely, a project of the ABIM Foundation. Portions of this report are from ACR s Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question list ACR Consumer Reports Advice How to treat a headache Most can be eased by taking these steps: Avoid triggers. If you have migraines, wear tinted glasses in bright light, don t skip meals, and eliminate food that you suspect may cause them, such as aged cheese, alcohol, and meat containing nitrates. For tension headaches, avoid fatigue, poor posture, and jaw clenching. Quit smoking if you have either type of headache. Manage stress. Try meditation, yoga, stretching, or relaxation techniques. Get adequate sleep and exercise. Aim for 6 to 8 hours of slumber by setting a bedtime and wake-up time and avoiding television or using a computer before sleep. Regular physical activity, such as swimming, cycling, or brisk walking, can ease migraines and reduce stress. Consider medication. Over-the-counter acetaminophen, ibuprofen (Advil and generic), or naproxen (Aleve and generic) can relieve tension headaches and mild migraines. So can pills that combine aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine (Excedrin Migraine and generic). But using them more than a once or twice a week can cause rebound headaches and other problems, so don t turn to them too often. For more severe migraines, triptans such as sumatriptan (Imitrex and generic) and rizatriptan (Maxalt) can help ease attacks. Beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal and generic) can prevent them.

10 Treating sinusitis Don t rush to antibiotics Millions of people are prescribed antibiotics each year for sinusitis, a frequent complication of the common cold, hay fever, and other respiratory allergies. In fact, 15 to 21 percent of all antibiotic prescriptions for adults in outpatient care are for treating sinusitis. Unfortunately, most of those people probably don t need the drugs. Here s why. The drugs usually don t help Sinusitis can be uncomfortable. People with the condition usually have congestion combined with yellow, green, or gray nasal discharge plus pain or pressure around the eyes, cheeks, forehead, or teeth that worsens when they bend over. But sinus infections almost always stem from a viral infection, not a bacterial one and antibiotics don t work against viruses. Even when bacteria are responsible, the infections usually clear up on their own in a week or so. And antibiotics don t help ease allergies, either. They can pose risks About one in four people who take antibiotics have side effects, including stomach problems, dizziness, or rashes. Those problems clear up soon after stopping the drugs, but in rare cases antibiotics can cause severe allergic reactions. Overuse of antibiotics also encourages the growth of bacteria that can t be controlled easily with drugs. That makes you more vulnerable to antibiotic-resistant infections and undermines the benefits of antibiotics for others.

11 They re usually a waste of money Antibiotics often aren t very expensive, but any money spent on unnecessary drugs is money down the drain. And since patients often request prescriptions and doctors often comply, the total cost to the health-care system is substantial at least $31 million a year. So when are antibiotics necessary? They re usually required only when symptoms last longer than a week, start to improve but then worsen again, or are very severe. Worrisome symptoms that can warrant immediate antibiotic treatment include a fever over F, extreme pain and tenderness over your sinuses, or signs of a skin infection, such as a hot, red rash that spreads quickly. When you do need antibiotics, the best choice in many cases is generic amoxicillin, which typically costs about $4 and is just as effective as more expensive brand-name antibiotics, such as Augmentin. Note that some doctors recommend CT scans when they suspect sinusitis. But those tests are usually necessary only if you have frequent or chronic sinusitis or you re considering sinus surgery. Using this information This information is provided for you to use in discussions with your health-care provider. The content is for educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Unfortunately, we cannot help you with individual medical questions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health-care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard, avoid, or delay in obtaining medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health-care provider because of something you read in this report. Use of this report is at your own risk. Consumer Reports, the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, & Immunology (AAAAI), the ABIM Foundation, and their distributors are not liable for any loss, injury, or other damage related to your use of this report. The report is intended solely for consumers personal, noncommercial use and may not be altered or modified in any way or used in advertising, for promotion, or for any other commercial purpose. Special permission is granted to organizations participating in the Consumer Reports consumer health communication program to disseminate free copies of this report in print or digital (PDF) formats to individual members and employees. Learn more at ConsumerHealthChoices.org or send an to cr.consumer.org. Published by Consumer Reports 2012 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc., 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY Developed in cooperation with AAAAI for Choosing Wisely, a project of the ABIM Foundation. Portions of this report are derived from AAAAI s Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question list AAAAI. All Rights Reserved. Consumer Reports Advice How should you treat sinusitis? Most people recover from sinusitis caused by colds in about a week, but several selfhelp steps may bring some relief sooner: Rest. That s especially important in the first few days when your body needs to channel its energy into fighting the virus. It also helps to elevate your head when lying down to ease postnasal drip. Drink. Warm fluids can help thin nasal secretions and loosen phlegm. Boost humidity. Warm, moist air from a bath, shower, or kettle can loosen phlegm and soothe the throat. Gargle. Use half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water. Rinse your nose. Saltwater sprays or nasal irrigation kits might make you feel better. Use over-the-counter remedies cautiously. Nasal drops or sprays containing oxymetazoline (Afrin, Neosynephrine Nighttime, and generic) can cause rebound congestion if used for longer than three days. If stuffiness hasn t eased by then, ask your pharmacist for pseudoephedrine pills (Sudafed and generic), which are available without a prescription but kept behind the counter. But check with your doctor first, since it can cause serious side effects. It s best to skip antihistamines since they don t ease cold symptoms very much and can cause intolerable side effects.

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X-Plain Preparing For Surgery Reference Summary Introduction More than 25 million surgical procedures are performed each year in the US. This reference summary will help you prepare for surgery. By understanding

What is a total abdominal hysterectomy? Is the removal of the uterus and cervix through an abdominal incision (either an up and down or bikini cut). Removal of the ovaries and tubes depends on the patient.

Tuberculosis and You A Guide to Tuberculosis Treatment and Services Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease that can damage the lungs or other parts of the body like the brain, kidneys or spine. There are

Salivary Gland Disorders Introduction Located in your mouth and throat, the salivary glands make saliva. Saliva is the watery fluid in the mouth. There are many problems that can affect the salivary glands.

Afib (Atrial Fibrillation) What You and Your Family Should Know BRING THIS BOOKLET TO YOUR NEXT DOCTOR S VISIT. Getting Started This guide will: 1. Provide you with information to help you and your family

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis Tim, diagnosed in 2004. What Is Multiple Sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurologic disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS includes the

Peptic Ulcer Introduction A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or duodenum. The duodenum is the first part of your small intestine. Peptic ulcers may also develop in the esophagus. Nearly

Controlling Pain Part 2: Types of Pain Medicines for Your Prostate Cancer The following information is based on the general experiences of many prostate cancer patients. Your experience may be different.

Pediatric Migraine What is a migraine? More than 10 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 have chronic headaches. A migraine is a type of chronic headache. Patients with migraines may also have

LiveHealthy! Spring 2014 24/7 Nurse Advice Line for Health Choice Members Health questions are not easy to answer alone. Get the help you need to make the right choices. Speak with registered nurses Toll-free,

Information about medicines for multiple sclerosis Information about medicines for multiple sclerosis What is multiple sclerosis? 1 Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong disease that affects your brain

YOUR TREATMENT TEAM CARDIOLOGIST What does a cardiologist do? A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in caring for your heart and blood vessel health. To become a cardiologist, a doctor completes additional

Osteoporosis Treatments That Help Prevent Broken Bones A Guide for Women After Menopause June 2008 fast facts Medicines for osteoporosis (OSS-tee-oh-puh-ROW-sis) can lower your chance of breaking a bone.

Hysterectomy removal of the uterus is a way of treating problems that affect the uterus. Many conditions can be cured with hysterectomy. Because it is major surgery, your doctor may suggest trying other

General Information about Sleep Studies and What to Expect Why do I need a sleep study? Your doctor has ordered a sleep study because your doctor is concerned you may have a sleep disorder that is impacting

Cervical Spine New Patient Form Please mark the painful areas on the pictures below Use the following marks: stabbing pain ooo burning pain +++ aching pain pins and needles = = = numbness Right Right Right

Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation Your Heart s Electrical System Cardioversion Living with Atrial Fibrillation When You Have Atrial Fibrillation You ve been told you have a heart condition called atrial

Hormone Therapy WOMENCARE A Healthy Woman is a Powerful Woman (407) 898-1500 At menopause, a woman's body makes less estrogen and she stops having menstrual periods. This is a natural stage in a woman's

Post-Coital Hormonal Contraception Instructions for Use of Plan B, Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, My Way, Generic Levonorgestrel and Ella Several options for emergency birth control exist for women